Phosphonium Ionic Liquids, Compositions, Methods of Making and Electronic Devices Formed There From

ABSTRACT

The invention generally encompasses phosphonium ionic liquids and compositions and their use in many applications, including but not limited to: as electrolytes in electronic devices such as memory devices including static, permanent and dynamic random access memory, as battery electrolytes, as a heat transfer medium, fuel cells and electrochromatic devices, among other applications. In particular, the invention generally relates to phosphonium ionic liquids, compositions and molecules possessing structural features, wherein the molecules exhibit superior combination of thermodynamic stability, low volatility, wide liquidus range and ionic conductivity. The invention further encompasses methods of making such phosphonium ionic liquids, compositions and molecules, and operational devices and systems comprising the same.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/080,650 filed on Jul. 14,2008 entitled “Phosphonium Ionic Liquids, Compositions, Methods ofMaking and Devices Formed There From,” the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally encompasses phosphonium ionic liquids,compositions and their use in many applications, including but notlimited to: as electrolytes in electronic devices such as memory devicesincluding static, permanent and dynamic random access memory, as batteryelectrolytes, electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cell, fuel cells(DSSCs), as a heat transfer medium, high temperature reaction and/orextraction media, among other applications. In particular, the inventionrelates to phosphonium ionic liquids, compositions and moleculespossessing structural features, wherein the compositions exhibit desiredcombination of at least two or more of: thermodynamic stability, lowvolatility, wide liquidus range, and ionic conductivity. The inventionfurther encompasses methods of making such phosphonium ionic liquids,compositions and molecules, and operational devices and systemscomprising the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ionic liquids have received significant attention due in part to theirwide potential use and application. The term “ionic liquid” is commonlyused for salts whose melting point is relatively low (below 100° C.).Salts that are liquid at room temperature are commonly calledroom-temperature ionic liquids. Early investigators employed ionicliquids based on dialky-imidazolium salts. For example, Wilkes et. aldeveloped ionic liquids based on dialkly-imidazolium salts for use withan aluminum metal anode and chlorine cathode in an attempt to create abattery. J. Wilkes, J. Levisky, R. Wilson, C. Hussey, Inorg. Chem., 21,1263 (1982).

Some of the most widely studied and commonly used ionic liquids arebased on pyridinium salts, with N-alkylpyridinium andN,N′-dialylimidazolium finding significant use. Pyridinium based ionicliquids, including N-alkyl-pyridiums and N,N-dialkylimidazoliums, andnitrogen-based ionic liquids generally posses thermodynamic stabilitieslimited to 300° C., or less, are readily distillable, and tend to havemeasurable vapor pressures at temperatures significantly less than 200°C. Such properties limit their usefulness, as well as theirapplications. For example, such ionic liquids are susceptible todecomposition during back end of line (BEOL) thermal processing.Additionally, such ionic liquids are also decomposed during otherheat-transfer processing steps which often subject the ionic liquids tocontinuous thermal cycling to temperatures exceeding 300° C.

The diverse nature of ionic liquids continues to be explored, andadditional uses of ionic liquids have been considered. For example,electrochemical methods and applications are in need of electrolytes toenhance conductivity in a variety of devices and applications. Recentstudies have been conducted in the area of room temperature ionicliquids as a possible alternative to conventional solvent basedelectrolytes.

While developments have been made, it is apparent that a continuing needexists for new developments in ionic liquid compositions and formaterials and uses in which ionic liquids may be employed for use inpolymer-gel electrolytes in lithium ion batteries, fuel cells,dye-sensitized solar cells and molecular capacitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly encompasses phosphonium ionic liquids,compositions and their use in many applications, including but notlimited to: as electrolytes in electronic devices such as memory devicesincluding static, permanent and dynamic random access memory,dye-sensitized solar cells, fuel cells, as battery electrolytes, as aheat transfer medium, high temperature reactions and/or extractionmedia, among other applications. In particular, the invention relates tophosphonium ionic liquids, compositions and molecules possessingstructural features, wherein the compositions exhibit desiredcombinations of at least two or more of: thermodynamic stability, lowvolatility, wide liquidus range and ionic conductivity.

In one aspect, an ionic liquid composition is provided, comprising: oneor more phosphonium based cations of the general formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P

wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions. In some embodiments R¹, R²,R³ and R⁴ are each independently a different alkyl group comprised of 2to 14 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, at least one of R¹, R², R³ andR⁴ is an aliphatic, heterocyclic moiety. Alternatively, at least one ofR¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is an aromatic, heterocyclic moiety. In otherembodiments, R¹ and R² are the same and are comprised of: tetramethylenephospholane, pentamethylele phosphorinane, tetramethinyl phosphole,phospholane or phosphorinane. In another embodiment, R², R³ and R⁴ arethe same and are comprised of: phospholane, phosphorinane or phosphole.

In another embodiment, an ionic liquid composition is provided,comprising one or more phosphonium based cations, and one or moreanions, wherein the ionic liquid composition exhibits onset temperaturesgreater than 400° C., thermodynamic stability greater than 375° C., aliquidus range greater than 400° C., and ionic conductivity up to 10mS/cm at room temperature.

In another aspect, the invention encompasses ionic conductingelectrolytes comprised of phosphonium based cations with suitableanions.

Further aspects of the invention provide a battery, comprising: apositive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between saidpositive and negative electrode; and an electrolyte. The electrolyte iscomprised of an ionic liquid composition, the ionic liquid compositioncomprising: one or more phosphonium based cations of the generalformula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P

wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions. In another embodiment, theelectrolyte is characterized as an ionic liquid composition having oneor more phosphonium based cations, and one or more anions, wherein theionic liquid composition exhibits onset temperatures greater than 400°C., thermodynamic stability up to a temperature greater than 375° C., aliquidus range greater than 400° C., and ionic conductivity up to 10mS/cm at room temperature.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a heat transfermedium, comprising an ionic liquid composition comprising: one or morephosphonium based cations, and one or more anions, wherein the ionicliquid composition exhibits onset temperatures of greater than 400° C.,thermodynamic stability up to a temperature of greater than 375° C., aliquidus range of greater than 400° C., and ionic conductivity up to 10mS/cm.

The phosphonium ionic liquid compositions are useful in forming avariety of hybrid electrical devices. For example, in one embodiment adevice is provided, comprising a first electrode, a second electrode;and an electrolyte comprised of an ionic liquid composition, the ionicliquid composition comprising: one or more phosphonium based cations ofthe general formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P

where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions, and wherein said electrolyteis electrically coupled to at least one of said first and secondelectrodes. In some embodiments the first electrode is comprised ofredox active molecules (ReAMs).

In another embodiment a molecular storage device is provided, comprisinga working electrode and a counter electrode configured to affordelectrical capacitance; and an ion conducting composition comprising:one or more phosphine based cations of the general formula above andwherein the ion conducting composition is electrically coupled to atleast the working and counter electrodes.

In another embodiment the invention encompasses a molecular memoryelement that includes a switching device, a bit line and a word linecoupled to the switching device and a molecular storage deviceaccessible through the switching device. The molecular storage device iscapable of being placed in two or more discrete states, wherein themolecular storage device is placed in one of the discrete states bysignals applied to the bit and word line. The molecular storage devicecomprises a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte ofphosphonium based cations and suitable anions between the first andsecond electrode.

Another embodiment encompasses molecular memory arrays comprising aplurality of molecular storage elements where each molecular storageelement is capable of being placed in two or more discrete states. Aplurality of bit lines and word lines are coupled to the plurality ofmolecular storage elements such that each molecular storage element iscoupled to and addressable by at least one bit line and at least oneword line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading of the detailed description of the invention andthe appended claims provided below, and upon reference to the drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 depicts one reaction scheme to form a phosphonium ionic liquidaccording to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts another reaction scheme to form other embodiments of aphosphonium ionic liquid of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts another reaction scheme to form a phosphonium ionicliquid according to other embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts another reaction scheme to form a phosphonium ionicliquid according to further embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) graph performed onexemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids prepared according toExample 1;

FIG. 6A depicts a reaction scheme, and FIGS. 6B and 6C illustratethermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) graphs,respectively, for exemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquidsprepared according to Example 2;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are graphs illustrating thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)and evolved gas analysis (EGA), respectively, for exemplary embodimentsof phosphonium ionic liquids prepared according to Example 3;

FIG. 8A depicts a reaction scheme, and FIG. 8B shows the ¹H NMR spectrumfor exemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids prepared asdescribed in FIG. 2 and Example 4;

FIG. 9A is a reaction scheme, and FIG. 9B is a graph showingthermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results for exemplary embodiments ofphosphonium ionic liquids prepared according to Example 5;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results forexemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids prepared according toExample 6;

FIG. 11 is a graph showing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results forexemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids prepared according toExample 7; and

FIG. 12A depicts a reaction scheme, and FIG. 12B is a graph showingthermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results for exemplary embodiments ofphosphonium ionic liquids prepared according to Example 8.

FIG. 13 depicts examples of common (Cationic) Binaries.

FIG. 14 depicts examples of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 15 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions thatare comprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 16 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions thatare comprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 17 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions thatare comprised of the cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 18 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions thatare comprised of the cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 19 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions thatare comprised of the cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 20 depicts o examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 21 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 22 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 23 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 24 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 25 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositionscomprised of cation and anion combinations.

FIG. 26 depicts examples of phosphonium ionic liquid compositionscomprised of cation and anion combinations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Overview

The present invention is generally directed to phosphonium ionic liquidsand compositions and their use in many applications.

General Description

The invention encompasses novel phosphonium ionic liquids, compositionsand their use in many applications, including but not limited to: aselectrolytes in electronic devices such as memory devices includingstatic, permanent and dynamic random access memory, as an electrolyte incapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and as electrochromatic (DSSC)devices. Additional applications include use as a heat transfer medium,high temperature reaction and/or extraction media, among otherapplications. In particular, the invention relates to phosphonium ionicliquids, compositions and molecules possessing structural features,wherein the composition exhibits desirable combination of at least twoor more of: thermodynamic stability, low volatility, wide liquidusrange, and ionic conductivity. The invention further encompasses methodsof making such phosphonium ionic liquids, compositions and molecules,and operational devices and systems comprising the same.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide deviceshaving an electrolyte comprised of phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions. In another aspect, embodiments of the present inventionprovide a battery comprising an electrolyte composition comprised ofphosphonium ionic liquid compositions.

The advantageous properties of the phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsmake them particularly suited for applications such as an electrolyte incapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and as electrochromatic devices.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a heat transfer medium isprovided comprised of phosphonium ionic liquid compositions. Theadvantageous properties of the compositions of the present invention arewell suited as a heat transfer medium, and useful for use in processesand systems where a heat transfer medium is employed such as extractionmedia, reaction solvents, and electrochromatic devices (DSSCs).

DEFINITIONS

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “acyl” refers toan organic acid group in which the OH of the carboxyl group is replacedby some other substituent (RCO—), such as described herein as “R”substitutent groups. Examples include, but are not limited to, halo,acetyl and benzoyl.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “alkoxy group”means an —O-alkyl group, wherein alkyl is as defined herein. An alkoxygroup can be unsubstituted or substituted with one, two or threesuitable substituents. Preferably, the alkyl chain of an alkoxy group isfrom 1 to 6 carbon atoms in length, referred to herein, for example, as“(C1-C6)alkoxy.”

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, “alkyl” by itself or aspart of another substituent, refers to a saturated or unsaturated,branched, straight-chain or cyclic monovalent hydrocarbon radicalderived by the removal of one hydrogen atom from a single carbon atom ofa parent alkane, alkene or alkyne. Also included within the definitionof an alkyl group are cycloalkyl groups such as C5, C6 or other rings,and heterocyclic rings with nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or phosphorus(heterocycloalkyl). Alkyl also includes heteroalkyl, with heteroatoms ofsulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and silicon finding particularuse in certain embodiments. Alkyl groups can be optionally substitutedwith R groups, independently selected at each position as describedbelow.

Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, (C1-C6) alkylgroups, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-methyl-1-propyl,2-methyl-2-propyl, 2-methyl-1-butyl, 3-methyl-1-butyl, 2-methyl-3-butyl,2,2-dimethyl-1-propyl, 2-methyl-1-pentyl, 3-methyl-1-pentyl,4-methyl-1-pentyl, 2-methyl-2-pentyl, 3-methyl-2-pentyl,4-methyl-2-pentyl, 2,2-dimethyl-1-butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butyl,2-ethyl-1-butyl, butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl,and hexyl, and longer alkyl groups, such as heptyl, and octyl.

The term “alkyl” is specifically intended to include groups having anydegree or level of saturation, i.e., groups having exclusivelycarbon-carbon single bonds, groups having one or more carbon-carbondouble bonds, groups having one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds andgroups having mixtures of single, double and triple carbon-carbon bonds.Where a specific level of saturation is intended, the expressions“alkanyl,” “alkenyl,” and “alkynyl” are used.

“Alkanyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to asaturated branched, straight-chain or cyclic alkyl radical derived bythe removal of one hydrogen atom from a single carbon atom of a parentalkane. “Heteroalkanyl” is included as described above.

“Alkenyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to anunsaturated branched, straight-chain or cyclic alkyl radical having atleast one carbon-carbon double bond derived by the removal of onehydrogen atom from a single carbon atom of a parent alkene. The groupmay be in either the cis or trans conformation about the double bond(s).Suitable alkenyl groups include, but are not limited to (C2-C6) alkenylgroups, such as vinyl, allyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl, butadienyl,pentadienyl, hexadienyl, 2-ethylhexenyl, 2-propyl-2-butenyl,4-(2-methyl-3-butene)-pentenyl. An alkenyl group can be unsubstituted orsubstituted with one or more independently selected R groups.

“Alkynyl” by itself or as part of another substituent, refers to anunsaturated branched, straight-chain or cyclic alkyl radical having atleast one carbon-carbon triple bond derived by the removal of onehydrogen atom from a single carbon atom of a parent alkyne.

Also included within the definition of “alkyl” is “substituted alkyl”.“Substituted” is usually designated herein as “R”, and refers to a groupin which one or more hydrogen atoms are independently replaced with thesame or different substituent(s). R substituents can be independentlyselected from, but are not limited to, hydrogen, halogen, alkyl(including substituted alkyl (alkylthio, alkylamino, alkoxy, etc.),cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, cycloheteroalkyl, and substitutedcycloheteroalkyl), aryl (including substituted aryl, heteroaryl orsubstituted heteroaryl), carbonyl, alcohol, amino, amido, nitro, ethers,esters, aldehydes, sulfonyl, sulfoxyl, carbamoyl, acyl, cyano,thiocyanato, silicon moieties, halogens, sulfur containing moieties,phosphorus containing moieties, etc. In some embodiments, as describedherein, R substituents include redox active moieties (ReAMs). In someembodiments, optionally R and R′ together with the atoms to which theyare bonded form a cycloalkyl (including cycloheteroalkyl) and/orcycloaryl (including cycloheteroaryl), which can also be furthersubstituted as desired. In the structures depicted herein, R is hydrogenwhen the position is unsubstituted. It should be noted that somepositions may allow two or three substitution groups, R, R′, and R″, inwhich case the R, R′, and R″ groups may be either the same or different.

In some embodiments, the R groups (subunits) are used to adjust theredox potential(s) of the subject compound. Thus, as is more fullydescribed below and in references cited herein, an R group such as aredox active subunit can be added to a macrocycle, particularly aporphyrinic macrocycle to alter its redox potential. Certain preferredsubstituents include, but are not limited to, 4-chlorophenyl,3-acetamidophenyl, 2,4-dichloro-4-trifluoromethyl, and ferrocene(including ferrocene derivatives). When the substituents are used foraltering redox potentials, preferred substituents provide a redoxpotential range of less than about 5 volts, preferably less than about 2volts, more preferably less than about 1 volt.

In certain embodiments, the R groups are as defined and depicted in thefigures and the text from U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/687,464 which isincorporated herein by reference. A number of suitable proligands andcomplexes, as well as suitable substituents, are outlined in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,212,093; 6,728,129; 6,451,942; 6,777,516; 6,381,169; 6,208,553;6,657,884; 6,272,038; 6,484,394; and U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/040,059;10/682,868; 10/445,977; 10/834,630; 10/135,220; 10/723,315; 10/456,321;10/376,865; all of which are expressly incorporated by reference, inparticular for the structures and descriptions thereof depicted therein,hereby expressly incorporated as substituent embodiments, both for theparticular macrocycle the substituents are depicted within and forfurther substituted derivatives.

By “aryl” or grammatical equivalents herein is meant an aromaticmonocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon moiety generally containing 5 to 14carbon atoms (although larger polycyclic rings structures may be made)and any carbocyclic ketone, imine, or thioketone derivative thereof,wherein the carbon atom with the free valence is a member of an aromaticring. Aromatic groups include arylene groups and aromatic groups withmore than two atoms removed. For the purposes of this application arylincludes heteroaryl. “Heteroaryl” means an aromatic group wherein 1 to 5of the indicated carbon atoms are replaced by a heteroatom chosen fromnitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus, boron and silicon wherein the atomwith the free valence is a member of an aromatic ring, and anyheterocyclic ketone and thioketone derivative thereof. Thus, heterocycleincludes both single ring and multiple ring systems, e.g. thienyl,furyl, pyrrolyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, purinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl,thiazolyl, imidazolyl, naphthalene, phenanthroline, etc. Also includedwithin the definition of aryl is substituted aryl, with one or moresubstitution groups “R” as defined herein and outlined above and herein.For example, “perfluoroaryl” is included and refers to an aryl groupwhere every hydrogen atom is replaced with a fluorine atom. Alsoincluded is oxalyl.

As used herein the term “halogen” refers to one of the electronegativeelements of group VIIA of the periodic table (fluorine, chlorine,bromine, iodine, astatine).

The term “nitro” refers to the NO.sub.2 group.

By “amino groups” or grammatical equivalents herein is meant —NH2, —NHRand —NRR′ groups, with R and R′ independently being as defined herein.

As used herein the term “pyridyl” refers to an aryl group where one CHunit is replaced with a nitrogen atom.

As used herein the term “cyano” refers to the —CN group.

As used here the term “thiocyanato” refers to the —SCN group.

The term “sulfoxyl” refers to a group of composition RS(O)— where R issome substitution group as defined herein, including alkyl, (cycloalkyl,perfluoroalkyl, etc.), or aryl (e.g., perfluoroaryl group). Examplesinclude, but are not limited to methylsulfoxyl, phenylsulfoxyl, etc.

The term “sulfonyl” refers to a group of composition RSO2-where R is asubstituent group, as defined herein, with alkyl, aryl, (includingcycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl groups). Examples include,but are not limited to methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl,p-toluenesulfonyl, etc.

The term “carbamoyl” refers to the group of composition R(R′)NC(O)—where R and R′ are as defined herein, examples include, but are notlimited to N-ethylcarbamoyl, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyl, etc.

The term “amido” refers to the group of composition R.sup.1CON(R.sup.2)-where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are substituents as defined herein. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to acetamido, N-ethylbenzamido, etc.

The term “acyl” refers to an organic acid group in which the OH of thecarboxyl group is replaced by some other substituent (RCO—). Examplesinclude, but are not limited to acetyl, benzoyl, etc.

The term “imine” refers to ═NR.

In certain embodiments, when a metal is designated, e.g., by “M” or“M_(n)”, where n is an integer, it is recognized that the metal can beassociated with a counterion.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “amperometricdevice” is a device capable of measuring the current produced in anelectrochemical cell as a result of the application of a specific fieldpotential (“voltage”).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “aryloxy group”means an —O-aryl group, wherein aryl is as defined herein. An aryloxygroup can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or two suitablesubstituents. Preferably, the aryl ring of an aryloxy group is amonocyclic ring, wherein the ring comprises 6 carbon atoms, referred toherein as “(C6)aryloxy.”

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “benzyl” means—CH2-phenyl.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “carbonyl” groupis a divalent group of the formula —C(O)—.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “coulometricdevice” is a device capable of measuring the net charge produced duringthe application of a potential field (“voltage”) to an electrochemicalcell.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “cyano” refersto the —CN group.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “different anddistinguishable” when referring to two or more oxidation states meansthat the net charge on the entity (atom, molecule, aggregate, subunit,etc.) can exist in two different states. The states are said to be“distinguishable” when the difference between the states is greater thanthermal energy at room temperature (e.g., 0° C. to about 40° C.).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “E_(1/2)” refersto the practical definition of the formal potential (B_(o)) of a redoxprocess as defined by B−B_(o)+(RT/nF)ln(D_(ox)/D_(red)) where R is thegas constant, T is temperature in K (Kelvin), n is the number ofelectrons involved in the process, F is the Faraday constant (96,485Coulomb/mole), D_(ox) is the diffusion coefficient of the oxidizedspecies and D_(red) is the diffusion coefficient of the reduced species.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “electricallycoupled” when used with reference to a storage molecule and/or storagemedium and electrode refers to an association between that storagemedium or molecule and the electrode such that electrons move from thestorage medium/molecule to the electrode or from the electrode to thestorage medium/molecule and thereby alter the oxidation state of thestorage medium/molecule. Electrical coupling can include direct covalentlinkage between the storage medium/molecule and the electrode, indirectcovalent coupling (e.g. via a linker), direct or indirect ionic bondingbetween the storage medium/molecule and the electrode, or other bonding(e.g. hydrophobic bonding). In addition, no actual bonding may berequired and the storage medium/molecule may simply be contacted withthe electrode surface. There also need not necessarily be any contactbetween the electrode and the storage medium/molecule where theelectrode is sufficiently close to the storage medium/molecule to permitelectron tunneling between the medium/molecule and the electrode.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “electrochemicalcell” consists minimally of a reference electrode, a working electrode,a redox-active medium (e.g. a storage medium), and, if necessary, somemeans (e.g., a dielectric) for providing electrical conductivity betweenthe electrodes and/or between the electrodes and the medium. In someembodiments, the dielectric is a component of the storage medium.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “electrode”refers to any medium capable of transporting charge (e.g., electrons) toand/or from a storage molecule. Preferred electrodes are metals orconductive organic molecules. The electrodes can be manufactured tovirtually any 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shape (e.g., discretelines, pads, planes, spheres, cylinders, etc.).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “fixedelectrode” is intended to reflect the fact that the electrode isessentially stable and unmovable with respect to the storage medium.That is, the electrode and storage medium are arranged in an essentiallyfixed geometric relationship with each other. It is of course recognizedthat the relationship alters somewhat due to expansion and contractionof the medium with thermal changes or due to changes in conformation ofthe molecules comprising the electrode and/or the storage medium.Nevertheless, the overall spatial arrangement remains essentiallyinvariant.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “linker” is amolecule used to couple two different molecules, two subunits of amolecule, or a molecule to a substrate.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, a metal is designated by“M” or “M_(a),” where n is an integer, it is recognized that the metalmay be associated with a counter ion.

Many of the compounds described herein utilize substituents, generallydepicted herein as “R.” Suitable R groups include, but are not limitedto, hydrogen, alkyl, alcohol, aryl, amino, amido, nitro, ethers, esters,aldehydes, sulfonyl, silicon moieties, halogens, cyano, acyl, sulfurcontaining moieties, phosphorus containing moieties, Sb, imido,carbamoyl, linkers, attachment moieties, ReAMs and other subunits. Itshould be noted that some positions may allow two substitution groups, Rand R′, in which case the R and R′ groups may be either the same ordifferent, and it is generally preferred that one of the substitutiongroups be hydrogen. In some embodiments, the R groups are as defined anddepicted in the figures and the text from U.S A number of suitableproligands and complexes, as well as suitable substituents, are outlinedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093; 6,728,129; 6,451,942; 6,777,516; 6,381,169;6,208,553; 6,657,884; 6,272,038; 6,484,394; and U.S. Ser. Nos.10/040,059; 10/682,868; 10/445,977; 10/834,630; 10/135,220; 10/723,315;10/456,321; 10/376,865; all of which are expressly incorporated byreference, in particular for the structures and descriptions thereofdepicted therein, hereby expressly incorporated as substitutentembodiments, both for the particular macrocycle the substituents aredepicted within and for further substituted derivatives.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “sulfoxyl”refers to a group of composition RS(O)— where R is some alkyl, aryl,cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include,but are not limited to methylsulfoxyl, phenylsulfoxyl, etc.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “sulfonyl”refers to a group of composition RSO₂, where R is some alkyl, aryl,cycloalkyl, perfluoroalkyl, or perfluoroaryl group. Examples include,but are not limited to methylsulfonyl, phenylsulfoxyl,p-toluenesulfonyl, etc.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “subunit” refersto a redox-active component of a molecule.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “thiocyanato”refers to the —SCN group.

Phosphonium Ionic Liquids of the Invention

As described in detail herein, embodiments of novel phosphonium ionicliquid compositions of the present invention exhibit desirableproperties and in particular a combination of at least two or more of:high thermodynamic stability, high ionic conductivity, wide liquidusrange and low volatility. The combination of up to, and in someembodiments, all of these four properties at desirable levels in onecomposition was unexpected and not foreseen, and provides a significantadvantage over known ionic liquid compositions. Embodiments ofphosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention exhibiting suchproperties enable applications and devices not previously available.

In some embodiments, phosphonium ionic liquids of the present inventioncomprise phosphonium cations of selected molecular weights andsubstitution patterns, coupled with selected anion(s), to form ionicliquids with tunable combinations of thermodynamic stability, ionicconductively, liquidus range, and low volatility properties.

In some embodiments, by “ionic liquid” herein is meant a salt that is inthe liquid state at and below 100° C. “Room temperature” ionic liquid isfurther defined herein in that it is in the liquid state at and belowroom temperature.

In some embodiments the present invention comprises phosphonium ionicliquids that exhibit thermodynamic stability up to temperatures ofapproximately 400° C., and more usually up to temperatures ofapproximately 375° C. Exhibiting thermal stability up to a temperaturethis high is a significant development, and allows use of thephosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention in a wide range ofapplications. Embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids of the presentinvention further exhibit ionic conductivity up to or greater than 10mS/cm at room temperature. Embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids ofthe present invention exhibit volatilities that are <20% of thoseexhibited by their nitrogen-based analogs. This combination of highthermal stability, high ionic conductivity, wide liquidus range, and lowvolatility, is highly desirable and was unexpected. Generally, in theprior art ionic liquids it is found that thermal stability and ionicconductivity exhibit an inverse relationship. In other embodiments, thephosphonium ionic liquids exhibit thermodynamic stability attemperatures in the range of 20° C. to 375° C., and ionic conductivityof 0 mS/cm to 0.02 mS/cm. In further embodiments, the phosphonium ionicliquids exhibit thermodynamic stability at temperatures in the range of0° C. to 300° C., and ionic conductivity of 0 mS/cm to 0.10 mS/cm.

In some embodiments, phosphonium ionic liquids are comprised of cationshaving molecular weight of up to 500 Daltons. In other embodiments,phosphonium ionic liquids are comprised of cations having molecularweight in the range of 200 to 500 Daltons for liquids at the lowerthermal stability ranges.

Phosphonium ionic liquid compositions of the present invention arecomprised of phosphonium based cations of the general formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P  (1)

wherein:

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently a substituentgroup. In some embodiments, wherein the cations are comprises of openchains, the general formula further comprises R⁴.

In some embodiments R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently an alkylgroup. In one embodiment, at least one of the alkyl groups is differentfrom the other two. In one embodiment none of the alkyl groups aremethyl. In some embodiments, an alkyl group is comprised of 2 to 7carbon atoms, more usually 1 to 6 carbon atoms. In some embodiments R¹,R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently a different alkyl group comprisedof 2 to 14 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the alkyl groups containno branching. In one embodiment R¹=R² in an aliphatic, heterocyclicmoiety. Alternatively, R¹=R² in an aromatic, heterocyclic moiety.

In some embodiments, R¹ or R² are comprised of phenyl or substitutedalkylphenyl. In some embodiments, R¹ and R² are the same and arecomprised of tetramethylene (phospholane) or pentamethylene(phosphorinane). Alternatively, R¹ and R² are the same and are comprisedof tetramethinyl (phosphole). In a further embodiment, R¹ and R² are thesame and are comprised of phospholane or phosphorinane. Additionally, inanother embodiment R² R³ and R⁴ are the same and are comprised ofphospholane, phosphorinane or phosphole.

In some embodiments at least one, more, of or all of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴are selected such that each does not contain functional groups thatwould react with the redox molecules (REAM) described below. In someembodiments, at least one, more, of or all of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ do notcontain halides, metals or O, N, P, or Sb.

In some embodiments, the alkyl group comprises from 1 to 7 carbon atoms.In other embodiments the total carbon atoms from all alkyl groups is 12or less. In yet other embodiments, the alkyl group are eachindependently comprised of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more typically, from 1to 5 carbon atoms.

In an exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprised of thefollowing formula:

In another exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprised ofthe following formula:

In yet another exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

In an additional exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

In a further exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprised ofthe following formula:

In an additional exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

In an additional exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

In another exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprised ofthe following formula:

In a further exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprised ofthe following formula:

In yet another exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

In still another exemplary embodiment, phosphonium cations are comprisedof the following formula:

Another exemplary provides phosphonium cations comprised of thefollowing formula:

Further provided are phosphonium cations comprised of the followingformula:

In some embodiments examples of suitable phosphine cations include butare not limited to: di-n-propyl ethyl phosphine; n-butyl n-propyl ethylphoshpine; n-hexyl n-butyl ethyl phosphine; and the like.

In other embodiments, examples of suitable phosphine cations include butare not limited to: ethyl phospholane; n-propyl phospholane; n-butylphospholane; n-hexyl phopholane; and phenyl phospholane.

In further embodiments, examples of suitable phosphine cations includebut are not limited to: ethyl phosphole; n-propyl phosphole; n-butylphosphole; n-hexyl phosphole; and phenyl phosphole.

In yet another embodiment, examples of suitable phosphine cationsinclude but are not limited to: 1-ethyl phosphacyclohexane; n-propylphosphacyclohexane; n-butyl phosphacyclohexane; n-hexylphosphacyclohexane; and phenyl phosphacyclohexane.

Phosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention are comprised ofcations and anions. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,there are a large variety of possible cation and anion combinations.Phosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention comprise cations asdescribed above with anions that are generally selected from compoundsthat are easily ion exchanged with reagents or solvents of the generalformula:

M⁺Im⁻

Wherein Im is bis-perfluoromethyl sulfonyl imide, M is a metal. In theinstance of an organic solvent, M is preferably L, K, Na, NH₄ or Ag. Inthe instance of aqueous solvents, M is preferably Ag.

Many anions may be selected. In one preferred embodiment, the anion is[bis-perfluoromethyl sulfonyl imide].

Exemplary embodiments of suitable anions include, but are not limitedto, any one or more of: NO₃ ⁻, O₃SCF₃ ⁻, N(SO₂CF₃)₂ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, O₃SC₆H₄CH₃⁻, O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, O₃SCH₃ ⁻, I⁻, C(CN)₃ ⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, CF₃BF₃,⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, SO₄ ²⁻, ⁻O₂CCF₃, ⁻O₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃ and dicyanamide (DCA). Inanother embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquids of the present inventionare comprised of a single cation-anion pair. Alternatively, two or morephosphonium ionic liquids may be used to form common binaries, mixedbinaries, common ternaries, mixed ternaries, and the like. Compositionranges for binaries, terneries, etc, include from 1 ppm, up to 999,999ppm for each component cation and each component anion.

In one preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositions arecomprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Tables 1A and 1B(see FIGS. 13 and 14). Table 1A illustrates examples of common(Cationic) Binaries.

Table 18 illustrates examples of cation and anion combinations.

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 2 (seeFIG. 15).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 3 (seeFIG. 16).

In a further preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of the cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 4(see FIG. 17).

In yet a further preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions are comprised of the cation and anion combinations as shownin Table 5 (see FIG. 18).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of the cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 6(see FIG. 19).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 7 (seeFIG. 20).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 8 (seeFIG. 21).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 9 (seeFIG. 22).

In another preferred embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsare comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown in Table 10 (seeFIG. 23).

Additional preferred embodiments include phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions are comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown inTable 11 (see FIG. 24).

Provided are further preferred embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown inTable 12 (see FIG. 25).

Another preferred exemplary embodiment includes phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions comprised of cation and anion combinations as shown inTable 13 (see FIG. 26).

In some embodiments further examples of suitable phosphonium ionicliquid compositions include but are not limited to: di-n-propyl ethylmethyl phosphonium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-butyl n-propylethyl methyl phosphonium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-hexyln-butyl ethyl methyl phosphonium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide;and the like.

Illustrative examples of suitable phosphonium ionic liquid compositionsfurther include but are not limited to: 1-ethyl-1-methyl phospholaniumbis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-propyl methyl phospholaniumbis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-butyl methyl phospholaniumbis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-hexyl methyl phospholaniumbis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; and phenyl methyl phospholaniumbis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide.

In another embodiment, examples of suitable phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions include but are not limited to: 1-ethyl-1-methylphospholium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-propyl methylphospholium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-butyl methylphospholium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl imide; n-hexyl methylphospholium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; and phenyl methylphospholium bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide.

Further exemplary embodiments of suitable phosphonium ionic liquidcompositions include but are not limited to: 1-ethyl-1-methylphosphacyclohexane bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-propyl methylphosphacyclohexane bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-butyl methylphosphacyclohexane bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; n-hexyl methylphosphacyclohexane bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide; and phenylmethyl phosphacyclohexane bis-(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide.

Phosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention may also form aeutectic from one or more solids, or from a solid and a liquid,according to some embodiments. In this instance, the term “ionic liquid”is further defined to include ionic liquid that are eutectics from ionicsolids, or from an ionic liquid and an ionic solid, such as binaries,ternaries, and the like.

Redox-Active Molecules

Phosphorus ionic liquids of the present invention described herein canbe employed to synthesize a wide range of hybrid components and/ordevices, such as for example memory devices and elements. In anexemplary embodiment, phosphonium ionic liquids herein are used to formmolecular memory devices where information is stored in a redox-activeinformation storage molecule.

The term “redox-active molecule (ReAM)” herein is meant to refer to amolecule or component of a molecule that is capable of being oxidized orreduced, e.g., by the application of a suitable voltage. As describedbelow, ReAMs can include, but are not limited to macrocycles includingporphyrin and porphyrin derivatives, as well as non-macrocycliccompounds, and includes sandwich compounds, e.g. as described herein. Incertain embodiments, ReAMs can comprise multiple subunits, for example,in the case of dyads or triads. ReAMs can include ferrocenes, Bipys,PAHs, viologens, and the like. In general, as described below, there areseveral types of ReAMs useful in the present invention, all based onpolydentate proligands, including macrocyclic and non-macrocyclicmoieties. A number of suitable proligands and complexes, as well assuitable substituents, are outlined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093;6,728,129; 6,451,942; 6,777,516; 6,381,169; 6,208,553; 6,657,884;6,272,038; 6,484,394; and U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/040,059; 10/682,868;10/445,977; 10/834,630; 10/135,220; 10/723,315; 10/456,321; 10/376,865;all of which are expressly incorporated by reference, in particular forthe structures and descriptions thereof depicted therein.

Suitable proligands fall into two categories: ligands which usenitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, carbon or phosphorus atoms (depending on themetal ion) as the coordination atoms (generally referred to in theliterature as sigma (a) donors) and organometallic ligands such asmetallocene ligands (generally referred to in the literature as pi (π)donors, and depicted herein as Lm).

In addition, a single ReAM may have two or more redox active. Forexample, FIG. 13A of U.S. Publication No. 2007/0108438 shows two redoxactive subunits, a porphurin (shown in the absence of a metal), andferrocense. Similarly, sandwich coordination compounds are considered asingle ReAM. This is to be distinguished from the case where these ReAMsare polymerized as monomers. In addition, the metal ions/complexes ofthe invention may be associated with a counterion, not generallydepicted herein.

Macrocyclic Ligands

In one embodiment, the ReAM is a macrocyclic ligand, which includes bothmacrocyclic proligands and macrocyclic complexes. By “macrocyclicproligand” herein is meant a cyclic compound which contain donor atoms(sometimes referred to herein as “coordination atoms”) oriented so thatthey can bind to a metal ion and which are large enough to encircle themetal atom. In general, the donor atoms are heteroatoms including, butnot limited to, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, with the former beingespecially preferred. However, as will be appreciated by those in theart, different metal ions bind preferentially to different heteroatoms,and thus the heteroatoms used can depend on the desired metal ion. Inaddition, in some embodiments, a single macrocycle can containheteroatoms of different types.

A “macrocyclic complex” is a macrocyclic proligand with at least onemetal ion; in some embodiments the macrocyclic complex comprises asingle metal ion, although as described below, polynucleate complexes,including polynucleate macrocyclic complexes, are also contemplated.

A wide variety of macrocyclic ligands find use in the present invention,including those that are electronically conjugated and those that maynot be; however, the macrocyclic ligands of the invention preferablyhave at least one, and preferably two or more oxidation states, with 4,6 and 8 oxidation states being of particular significance.

A broad schematic of suitable macrocyclic ligands are shown anddescribed in FIGS. 11 and 14 of U.S. Publication No. 2007/0108438, allof which is incorporated by reference herein in addition to FIGS. 11 and14. In this embodiment, roughly based on porphyrins, a 16 member ring(when the -X-moiety contains a single atom, either carbon or aheteroatom), 17 membered rings (where one of the -X-moieties containstwo skeletal atoms), 18 membered rings (where two of the -X-moietiescontains two skeletal atoms), 19 membered rings (where three of the-X-moieties contains two skeletal atoms) or 20 membered rings (where allfour of the -X-moieties contains two skeletal atoms), are allcontemplated. Each —X— group is independently selected. The 9Q-moiety,together with the skeletal —C— heteroatom-C- (with either single ordouble bonds independently connecting the carbons and heteroatom) for 5or 6 membered rings that are optionally substituted with 1 or 2 (in thecase of 5 membered rings) or 1, 2, or 3 (in the case of 6 memberedrings) with independently selected R2 groups. In some embodiments, therings, bonds and substitutents are chosen to result in the compoundbeing electronically conjugated, and at a minimum to have at least twooxidation states.

In some embodiments, the macrocyclic ligands of the invention areselected from the group consisting of porphyrins (particularly porphyrinderivatives as defined below), and cyclen derivatives.

Porphyrins

A particularly preferred subset of macrocycles suitable in the inventionare porphyrins, including porphyrin derivatives. Such derivativesinclude porphyrins with extra rings ortho-fused, or ortho-perifused, tothe porphyrin nucleus, porphyrins having a replacement of one or morecarbon atoms of the porphyrin ring by an atom of another element(skeletal replacement), derivatives having a replacement of a nitrogenatom of the porphyrin ring by an atom of another element (skeletalreplacement of nitrogen), derivatives having substituents other thanhydrogen located at the peripheral (meso-, (3- or core atoms of theporphyrin, derivatives with saturation of one or more bonds of theporphyrin (hydroporphyrins, e.g., chlorins, bacteriochlorins,isobacteriochlorins, decahydroporphyrins, corphins, pyrrocorphins,etc.), derivatives having one or more atoms, including pyrrolic andpyrromethenyl units, inserted in the porphyrin ring (expandedporphyrins), derivatives having one or more groups removed from theporphyrin ring (contracted porphyrins, e.g., corrin, corrole) andcombinations of the foregoing derivatives (e.g. phthalocyanines,sub-phthalocyanines, and porphyrin isomers). Additional suitableporphyrin derivatives include, but are not limited to the chlorophyllgroup, including etiophyllin, pyrroporphyrin, rhodoporphyrin,phylloporphyrin, phylloerythrin, chlorophyll a and b, as well as thehemoglobin group, including deuteroporphyrin, deuterohemin, hemin,hematin, protoporphyrin, mesohemin, hematoporphyrin mesoporphyrin,coproporphyrin, uruporphyrin and turacin, and the series oftetraarylazadipyrromethines.

As is true for the compounds outlined herein, and as will be appreciatedby those in the art, each unsaturated position, whether carbon orheteroatom, can include one or more substitution groups as definedherein, depending on the desired valency of the system.

In one preferred embodiment, the redox-active molecule may be ametallocene, which can be substituted at any appropriate position, usingR groups independently selected herein. A metallocene which findsparticular use in the invention includes ferrocene and its derivatives.In this embodiment, preferred substituents include, but are not limitedto, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-acetamidophenyl, 2,4-dichloro-4-trifluoromethyl.Preferred substituents provide a redox potential range of less thanabout 2 volts.

It will be appreciated that the oxidation potentials of the members ofthe series can be routinely altered by changing the metal (M) or thesubstituents.

Another example of a redox-active molecule comprised of a porphyrin isshown in FIG. 12H of U.S. Publication No. 2007/018438 where F is aredox-active subunit (such as ferrocense, a substituted ferrocene, ametalloporphyrin, or a metallochlorin, and the like), J1 is a linker, Mis a metal (such as Zn, Mg, Cd, Hg, Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd, Pt, Co, Rh, Ir,Mn, B, Al, Ga, Pb and Sn) S1 and S2 are independently selected from thegroup of aryl, phenyl, cycloalkyl, alkyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkylthio,perfluoroalkyl, perfluoroaryl, pyridyl, cyano, thiocyanato, nitro,amino, alkylamino, acyl, sulfoxyl, sulfonyl, imido, amido, and carbamoylwherein said substituents provide a redox potential range of less thanabout 2 volts, K1, K2, K3 and K4 are independently selected from thegroup of N, O, S, Se, Te and CH; L is a linker, X is selected from thegroup of a substrate, a couple to a substrate, and a reactive site thatcan ionically couple to a substrate. In preferred embodiments, X or L-Xmay be an alcohol or a thiol. In some embodiments, L-X can be eliminatedand replaced with a substituent independently selected from the samegroup as S1 or S2.

Control over the hole-storage and hole-hopping properties of theredox-active units of the redox-active molecules used in the memorydevices of the present invention allows fine control over thearchitecture of the memory device.

Such control is exercised through synthetic design. The hole-storageproperties depend on the oxidation potential of the redox-active unitsor subunits that are themselves or are that are used to assemble thestorage media used in the devices of this invention. The hole-storageproperties and redox potential can be tuned with precision by choice ofbase molecule(s), associated metals and peripheral substituents (Yang etal. (1999) J. Porphyrins Phthalocyanines, 3: 117-147), the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by this reference.

For example, in the case of porphyrins, Mg porphyrins are more easilyoxidized than Zn porphyrins, and electron withdrawing or electronreleasing aryl groups can modulate the oxidation properties inpredictable ways. Hole-hopping occurs among isoenergetic porphyrins in ananostructure and is mediated via the covalent linker joining theporphyrins (Seth et al. (1994) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 116: 10578-10592, Sethet al (1996) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 118: 11194-11207, Strachan et al. (1997)J. Am. Chem. Soc., 119: 11191-11201; Li et al. (1997) J. Mater. Chem.,7: 1245-1262, Strachan et al. (1998) Inorg. Chem., 37: 1191-1201, Yanget al. (1999) J. Am. Chem. Soc., 121: 4008-4018), the disclosures ofwhich are herein specifically incorporated by this reference in theirentirety.

The design of compounds with predicted redox potentials is well known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. In general, the oxidation potentialsof redox-active units or subunits are well known to those of skill inthe art and can be looked up (see, e.g., Handbook of Electrochemistry ofthe Elements). Moreover, in general, the effects of various substituentson the redox potentials of a molecule are generally additive. Thus, atheoretical oxidation potential can be readily predicted for anypotential data storage molecule. The actual oxidation potential,particularly the oxidation potential of the information storagemolecule(s) or the information storage medium can be measured accordingto standard methods. Typically the oxidation potential is predicted bycomparison of the experimentally determined oxidation potential of abase molecule and that of a base molecule bearing one substituent inorder to determine the shift in potential due to that particularsubstituent. The sum of such substituent-dependent potential shifts forthe respective substituents then gives the predicted oxidationpotential.

The suitability of particular redox-active molecules for use in themethods of this invention can readily be determined. The molecule(s) ofinterest are simply polymerized and coupled to a surface (e.g., ahydrogen passivated surface) according to the methods of this invention.Then sinusoidal voltammetry can be performed (e.g., as described hereinor in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,272,038; 6,212,093; and 6,208,553, PCTPublication WO 01/03126, or by (Roth et al. (2000) Vac. Sci. Technol. B18:2359-2364; Roth et al. (2003) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 125:505-517) toevaluate 1) whether or not the molecule(s) coupled to the surface, 2)the degree of coverage (coupling); 3) whether or not the molecule(s) aredegraded during the coupling procedure, and 4) the stability of themolecule(s) to multiple read/write operations.

In addition, included within the definition of “porphyrin” are porphyrincomplexes, which comprise the porphyrin proligand and at least one metalion. Suitable metals for the porphyrin compounds will depend on theheteroatoms used as coordination atoms, but in general are selected fromtransition metal ions. The term “transition metals” as used hereintypically refers to the 38 elements in groups 3 through 12 of theperiodic table. Typically transition metals are characterized by thefact that their valence electrons, or the electrons they use to combinewith other elements, are present in more than one shell and consequentlyoften exhibit several common oxidation states. In certain embodiments,the transition metals of this invention include, but are not limited toone or more of scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron,cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum,technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, hafnium,tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, mercury,rutherfordium, and/or oxides, and/or nitrides, and/or alloys, and/ormixtures thereof.

Other Macrocycles

There are a number of macrocycles based on cyclen derivatives. FIGS. 17and 13C of U.S. Publication No. 2007/0108438 shows a number ofmacrocyclic proligands loosely based on cyclen/cyclam derivatives, whichcan include skeletal expansion by the inclusion of independentlyselected carbons or heteroatoms. In some embodiments, at least one Rgroup is a redox active subunit, preferably electronically conjugated tothe metal. In some embodiments, including when at least one R group is aredox active subunit, two or more neighboring R2 groups form cycle or anaryl group.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, macrocyclic complexes relyingorganometallic ligands are used. In addition to purely organic compoundsfor use as redox moieties, and various transition metal coordinationcomplexes with δ-bonded organic ligand with donor atoms as heterocyclicor exocyclic substituents, there is available a wide variety oftransition metal organometallic compounds with π-bonded organic ligands(see Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 5th Ed., Cotton & Wilkinson, JohnWiley & Sons, 1988, chapter 26; Organometallics, A Concise Introduction,Elschenbroich et al., 2nd Ed., 1992, VCH; and ComprehensiveOrganometallic Chemistry II, A Review of the Literature 1982-1994, Abelet al. Ed., Vol. 7, chapters 7, 8, 10 & 11, Pergamon Press, herebyexpressly incorporated by reference). Such organometallic ligandsinclude cyclic aromatic compounds such as the cyclopentadienide ion[C5H5(−1)] and various ring substituted and ring fused derivatives, suchas the indenylide (−1) ion, that yield a class of bis(cyclopentadieyl)metal compounds, (i.e. the metallocenes); see for example Robins et al.,J. Am. Chem. Soc. 104:1882-1893 (1982); and Gassman et al., J. Am. Chem.Soc. 108:4228-4229 (1986), incorporated by reference. Of these,ferrocene [(C5H5)2Fe] and its derivatives are prototypical exampleswhich have been used in a wide variety of chemical (Connelly et al.,Chem. Rev. 96:877-910 (1996), incorporated by reference) andelectrochemical (Geiger et al., Advances in Organometallic Chemistry23:1-93; and Geiger et al., Advances in Organometallic Chemistry 24:87,incorporated by reference) electron transfer or “redox” reactions.Metallocene derivatives of a variety of the first, second and third rowtransition metals are useful as redox moieties (and redox subunits).Other potentially suitable organometallic ligands include cyclic arenessuch as benzene, to yield bis(arene) metal compounds and their ringsubstituted and ring fused derivatives, of which bis(benzene)chromium isa prototypical example, Other acyclic π-bonded ligands such as theallyl(−1) ion, or butadiene yield potentially suitable organometalliccompounds, and all such ligands, in conjunction with other π-bonded andδ-bonded ligands constitute the general class of organometalliccompounds in which there is a metal to carbon bond. Electrochemicalstudies of various dimers and oligomers of such compounds with bridgingorganic ligands, and additional non-bridging ligands, as well as withand without metal-metal bonds are all useful.

When one or more of the co-ligands is an organometallic ligand, theligand is generally attached via one of the carbon atoms of theorganometallic ligand, although attachment may be via other atoms forheterocyclic ligands. Preferred organometallic ligands includemetallocene ligands, including substituted derivatives and themetalloceneophanes (see page 1174 of Cotton and Wilkenson, supra). Forexample, derivatives of metallocene ligands such asmethylcyclopentadienyl, with multiple methyl groups being preferred,such as pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, can be used to increase thestability of the metallocene. In some embodiments, the metallocene isderivatized with one or more substituents as outlined herein,particularly to alter the redox potential of the subunit or moiety.

As described herein, any combination of ligands may be used. Preferredcombinations include: a) all ligands are nitrogen donating ligands; b)all ligands are organometallic ligands.

Sandwich Coordination Complexes

In some embodiments, the ReAMs are sandwich coordination complexes. Theterms “sandwich coordination compound” or “sandwich coordinationcomplex” refer to a compound of the formula L-Mn-L, where each L is aheterocyclic ligand (as described below), each M is a metal, n is 2 ormore, most preferably 2 or 3, and each metal is positioned between apair of ligands and bonded to one or more hetero atom (and typically aplurality of hetero atoms, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5) in each ligand (dependingupon the oxidation state of the metal). Thus sandwich coordinationcompounds are not organometallic compounds such as ferrocene, in whichthe metal is bonded to carbon atoms. The ligands in the sandwichcoordination compound are generally arranged in a stacked orientation(i.e., are generally cofacially oriented and axially aligned with oneanother, although they may or may not be rotated about that axis withrespect to one another) (see, e.g., Ng and Jiang (1997) Chemical SocietyReviews 26: 433-442) incorporated by reference. Sandwich coordinationcomplexes include, but are not limited to “double-decker sandwichcoordination compound” and “triple-decker sandwich coordinationcompounds”. The synthesis and use of sandwich coordination compounds isdescribed in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093; 6,451,942; 6,777,516;and polymerization of these molecules is described in U.S. PublicationNo. 2007/0123618, all of which are included herein, particularly theindividual substitutent groups that find use in both sandwich complexesand the “single” macrocycle” complexes.

The term “double-decker sandwich coordination compound” refers to asandwich coordination compound as described above where n is 2, thushaving the formula L′-M′-LZ, wherein each of L1 and LZ may be the sameor different (see, e.g., Jiang et al. (1999) J. PorphyrinsPhthalocyanines 3: 322-328) and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093; 6,451,942;6,777,516; and polymerization of these molecules is described in U.S.Publication No. 2007/0123618, hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The term “triple-decker sandwich coordination compound” refers to asandwich coordination compound as described above where n is 3, thushaving the formula L′-M′ LZ-MZ-L3, wherein each of L1, LZ and L3 may bethe same or different, and Ml and MZ may be the same or different (see,e.g., Arnold et al. (1999) Chemistry Letters 483-484), and U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,212,093; 6,451,942; 6,777,516; and polymerization of thesemolecules is described in U.S. Publication No. 2007/0123618, herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

In addition, polymers of these sandwich compounds are also of use; thisincludes “dyads” and “triads” as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093;6,451,942; 6,777,516; and polymerization of these molecules is describedin U.S. Publication No. 2007/0123618, incorporated by reference.

Non-Macrocyclic Proligands and Complexes

As a general rule, ReAMs comprising non-macrocyclic chelators are boundto metal ions to form non-macrocyclic chelate compounds, since thepresence of the metal allows for multiple proligands to bind together togive multiple oxidation states.

In some embodiments, nitrogen donating proligands are used. Suitablenitrogen donating proligands are well known in the art and include, butare not limited to, NH2; NHR; NRR′; pyridine; pyrazine; isonicotinamide;imidazole; bipyridine and substituted derivatives of bipyridine;terpyridine and substituted derivatives; phenanthrolines, particularly1,10-phenanthroline (abbreviated phen) and substituted derivatives ofphenanthrolines such as 4,7-dimethylphenanthroline anddipyridol[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (abbreviated dppz); dipyridophenazine;1,4,5,8,9,12-hexaazatriphenylene (abbreviated hat);9,10-phenanthrenequinone diimine (abbreviated phi);1,4,5,8-tetraazaphenanthrene (abbreviated tap);1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane (abbreviated cyclam) and isocyanide.Substituted derivatives, including fused derivatives, may also be used.It should be noted that macrocylic ligands that do not coordinativelysaturate the metal ion, and which require the addition of anotherproligand, are considered non-macrocyclic for this purpose. As will beappreciated by those in the art, it is possible to covalent attach anumber of “non-macrocyclic” ligands to form a coordinatively saturatedcompound, but that is lacking a cyclic skeleton.

Suitable sigma donating ligands using carbon, oxygen, sulfur andphosphorus are known in the art. For example, suitable sigma carbondonors are found in Cotton and Wilkenson, Advanced Organic Chemistry,5th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1988, hereby incorporated by reference;see page 38, for example. Similarly, suitable oxygen ligands includecrown ethers, water and others known in the art. Phosphines andsubstituted phosphines are also suitable; see page 38 of Cotton andWilkenson.

The oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen-donating ligands areattached in such a manner as to allow the heteroatoms to serve ascoordination atoms.

Polynucleating Proligands and Complexes

In addition, some embodiments utilize polydentate ligands that arepolynucleating ligands, e.g. they are capable of binding more than onemetal ion. These may be macrocyclic or non-macrocyclic.

A number of suitable proligands and complexes, as well as suitablesubstituents, are outlined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093; 6,728,129;6,451,942; 6,777,516; 6,381,169; 6,208,553; 6,657,884; 6,272,038;6,484,394; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/040,059; 10/682,868;10/445,977; 10/834,630; 10/135,220; 10/723,315; 10/456,321; 10/376,865;all of which are expressly incorporated by reference, in particular forthe structures and descriptions thereof depicted therein.

Applications and Uses of the Phosphonium Ionic Liquids

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “memoryelement,” “memory cell,” or “storage cell” refer to an electrochemicalcell that can be used for the storage of information. Preferred “storagecells” are discrete regions of storage medium addressed by at least oneand preferably by two electrodes (e.g., a working electrode and areference electrode). The storage cells can be individually addressed(e.g., a unique electrode is associated with each memory element) or,particularly where the oxidation states of different memory elements aredistinguishable, multiple memory elements can be addressed by a singleelectrode. The memory element can optionally include a dielectric (e.g.,a dielectric impregnated with counter ions).

As used herein the term “electrode” refers to any medium capable oftransporting charge (e.g., electrons) to and/or from a storage molecule.Preferred electrodes are metals and conductive organic molecules,including, but not limited to, Group III elements (including doped andoxidized Group III elements), Group IV elements (including doped andoxidized Group IV elements), Group V elements (including doped andoxidized Group V elements) and transition metals (including transitionmetal oxides and transition metal nitrides). The electrodes can bemanufactured to virtually and 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shape(e.g., discrete lines, pads, planes, spheres, cylinders).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “multipleoxidation states” means more than one oxidation state. In preferredembodiments, the oxidation states may reflect the gain of electrons(reduction) or the loss of electrons (oxidation).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “multiporphyrinarray” refers to a discrete number of two or more covalently-linkedporphyrinic macrocycles. The multiporphyrin arrays can be linear,cyclic, or branched.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “output of anintegrated circuit” refers to a voltage or signal produced by one ormore integrated circuit(s) and/or one or more components of anintegrated circuit.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “present on asingle plane,” when used in reference to a memory device of thisinvention refers to the fact that the component(s) (e.g. storage medium,electrode(s), etc.) in question are present on the same physical planein the device (e.g. are present on a single lamina). Components that areon the same plane can typically be fabricated at the same time, e.g., ina single operation. Thus, for example, all of the electrodes on a singleplane can typically be applied in a single (e.g., sputtering) step(assuming they are all of the same material).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, a potentiometric deviceis a device capable of measuring potential across an interface thatresults from a difference in the equilibrium concentrations of redoxmolecules in an electrochemical cell.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “oxidation”refers to the loss of one or more electrons in an element, compound, orchemical substituent/subunit. In an oxidation reaction, electrons arelost by atoms of the element(s) involved in the reaction. The charge onthese atoms must then become more positive. The electrons are lost fromthe species undergoing oxidation and so electrons appear as products inan oxidation reaction. An oxidation taking place in the reaction Fe²⁺(aq)→Fe³⁺ (aq)+e⁻ because electrons are lost from the species beingoxidized, Fe²⁺ (aq), despite the apparent production of electrons as“free” entities in oxidation reactions. Conversely the term reductionrefers to the gain of one or more electrons by an element, compound, orchemical substituent/subunit.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “oxidationstate” refers to the electrically neutral state or to the state producedby the gain or loss of electrons to an element, compound, or chemicalsubstituent/subunit. In a preferred embodiment, the term “oxidationstate” refers to states including the neutral state and any state otherthan a neutral state caused by the gain or loss of electrons (reductionor oxidation).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “read” or“interrogate” refer to the determination of the oxidation state(s) ofone or more molecules (e.g. molecules comprising a storage medium).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “redox-activeunit” or “redox-active subunit” refers to a molecule or component of amolecule that is capable of being oxidized or reduced by the applicationof a suitable voltage.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the terms “read” or“interrogate” refer to the determination of the oxidation state(s) ofone or more molecules (e.g. molecules comprising a storage medium).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “refresh” whenused in reference to a storage molecule or to a storage medium refers tothe application of a voltage to the storage molecule or storage mediumto re-set the oxidation state of that storage molecule or storage mediumto a predetermined state (e.g., the oxidation state the storage moleculeor storage medium was in immediately prior to a read).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “referenceelectrode” is used to refer to one or more electrodes that provide areference (e.g., a particular reference voltage) for measurementsrecorded from the working electrode. In preferred embodiments, thereference electrodes in a memory device of this invention are at thesame potential although in some embodiments this need not be the case.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, a “sinusoidalvoltammeter” is a voltammetric device capable of determining thefrequency domain properties of an electrochemical cell.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “storagedensity” refers to the number of bits per volume and/or bits permolecule that can be stored. When the storage medium is said to have astorage density greater than one bit per molecule, this refers to thefact that a storage medium preferably comprises molecules wherein asingle molecule is capable of storing at least one bit of information.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “storagelocation” refers to a discrete domain or area in which a storage mediumis disposed. When addressed with one or more electrodes, the storagelocation may form a storage cell. However if two storage locationscontain the same storage media so that they have essentially the sameoxidation states, and both storage locations are commonly addressed,they may form one functional storage cell.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “storage medium”refers to a composition comprising a storage molecule of the invention,preferably bonded to a substrate.

A substrate is a, preferably solid, material suitable for the attachmentof one or more molecules. Substrates can be formed of materialsincluding, but not limited to glass, plastic, silicon, minerals (e.g.,quartz), semiconducting materials, ceramics, metals, etc.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “voltammetricdevice” is a device capable of measuring the current produced in anelectrochemical cell as a result of the application of a voltage orchange in voltage.

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, a voltage source is anysource (e.g. molecule, device, circuit, etc.) capable of applying avoltage to a target (e.g., an electrode).

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “workingelectrode” is used to refer to one or more electrodes that are used toset or read the state of a storage medium and/or storage molecule.

Devices

Some embodiments of the phosphonium ionic liquid compositions of thepresent invention are useful in forming a variety of hybrid electricaldevices. For example, in one embodiment a device is provided, comprisinga first electrode, a second electrode; and an electrolyte comprised ofan ionic liquid composition, the ionic liquid composition comprising:one or more phosphonium based cations of the general formula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P

where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions, and wherein said electrolyteis electrically coupled to at least one of said first and secondelectrodes. In some embodiment the first electrode is comprised redoxactive molecules (ReAMs) as described in detail above.

In another embodiment a molecular storage device is provided, comprisinga working electrode and a counter electrode configured to affordelectrical capacitance; and an ion conducting composition comprising:one or more phosphine based cations of the general formula above andwherein the ion conducting composition is electrically coupled to atleast the working and counter electrodes.

In another embodiment the invention encompasses a molecular memoryelement that includes a switching device, a bit line and a word linecoupled to the switching device and a molecular storage deviceaccessible through the switching device. The molecular storage device iscapable of being placed in two or more discrete states, wherein themolecular storage device is placed in one of the discrete states bysignals applied to the bit and word line. The molecular storage devicecomprises a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte ofphosphonium based cations and suitable anions between the first andsecond electrode. Another embodiment encompasses molecular memory arrayscomprising a plurality of molecular storage elements where eachmolecular storage element is capable of being placed in two or morediscrete states. A plurality of bit lines and word lines are coupled tothe plurality of molecular storage elements such that each molecularstorage element is coupled to and addressable by at least one bit lineand at least one word line.

The molecular memory device may include an addressable array ofmolecular storage elements. An address decoder receives a coded addressand generates word line signals corresponding to the coded address. Aword line driver is coupled to the address decoder and producesamplified word line signals. The amplified word line signals controlswitches that selectively couple members of the array of molecularstorage elements to bit lines. Read/write logic coupled to the bit linesdetermines whether the molecular memory device is in a read mode or awrite mode. In a read mode, sense amplifiers coupled to each bit linedetect an electronic state of the selectively coupled molecular storageelements and produce a data signal on the bit line indicative of theelectronic state of the selectively coupled molecular storage elements.In a write mode, the read/write logic drives a data signal onto the bitlines and the selectively coupled molecular storage elements.

Another embodiment encompasses devices including logic integrated withembedded molecular memory devices such as application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) and system on chip (SOC) devices and the like.Such implementations comprise one or more functional components formedmonolithically with and interconnected to molecular memory devices. Thefunctional components may comprise solid state electronic devices and/ormolecular electronic devices.

In particular embodiments, the molecular storage device is implementedas a stacked structured formed subsequent to and above a semiconductorsubstrate having active devices formed therein. In other embodiments,the molecular storage device is implemented as a micron or nanometersized hole in a semiconductor substrate have active devices formedtherein. The molecular storage device is fabricated using processingtechniques that are compatible with the semiconductor substrate andpreviously formed active devices in the semiconductor substrate. Themolecular storage device comprises, for example, an electrochemical cellhaving two or more electrode surfaces separated by an electrolyte (e.g.,a ceramic or solid electrolyte). Storage molecules (e.g., moleculeshaving one or more oxidation states that can be used for storinginformation) are coupled to an electrode surface within theelectrochemical cells.

Other embodiments of the invention include the use of componentsindependently selected from transistor switching devices including fieldeffect transistor; a row decoder coupled to the word line; a columndecoder coupled to the bit line; a current preamplifier connected to thebit line; a sense amplifier connected to the bit line, an addressdecoder that receives a coded address and generates word line signalscorresponding to the coded address, a line driver coupled to the addressdecoder wherein the line driver produces amplified word line signals(optionally wherein the amplified word line signals control switchesthat selectively couple members of the array of molecular storageelements to bit lines), read/write logic coupled to the bit lines,wherein the read/write logic determines whether the molecular memorydevices is in a read mode or a write mode, sense amplifiers coupled toeach bit line, wherein when the device is in a read mode, senseamplifiers coupled to each bit line detect an electronic state of theselectively coupled molecular storage elements and produce a data signalon the bit line indicative of the electronic state of the selectivelycoupled molecular storage elements (such that when the device is in awrite mode, the read/write logic drives a data signal onto the bit linesand the selectively coupled molecular storage elements) electrolytelayers; and combinations thereof.

Further embodiments encompass the second electrode being coupled toground, and the bit and word lines being either perpendicular orparallel.

Additional embodiments have the memory arrays of the inventioncomprising volatile memory such as DRAM or SRAM, or non-volatile memorysuch as Flash or ferroelectric memory.

A further embodiment provides arrays wherein the molecular storagedevice comprises an attachment layer formed on the first electrode,wherein the attachment layer comprises an opening and wherein themolecular material is in the opening and electronically coupled to thesecond electrode layer and an electrolyte layer formed on the attachmentlayer.

Another embodiment encompasses a monolithically integrated devicecomprising logic devices configured to perform a particular function andembedded molecular memory devices of the invention coupled to the logicdevices. The device may optionally comprise an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SOC), a solid stateelectronic devices or molecular electronic devices.

The memory devices of this invention can be fabricated using standardmethods well known to those of skill in the art. In a preferredembodiment, the electrode layer(s) are applied to a suitable substrate(e.g., silica, glass, plastic, ceramic, etc.) according to standard wellknown methods (see, e.g., Rai-Choudhury (1997) The Handbook ofMicrolithography, Micromachining, and Microfabrication, SPIE OpticalEngineering Press; Bard & Faulkner (1997) Fundamentals ofMicrofabrication). A variety of techniques are described below and alsoin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,212,093; 6,728,129; 6,451,942; 6,777,516; 6,381,169;6,208,553; 6,657,884; 6,272,038; 6,484,394; and U.S. Ser. Nos.10/040,059; 10/682,868; 10/445,977; 10/834,630; 10/135,220; 10/723,315;10/456,321; 10/376,865; and U.S. Publication No. 20070123618, all ofwhich are expressly incorporated by reference, in particular for thefabrication techniques outlined therein.

There are a wide variety of device and systems architectures thatbenefit from the use of molecular memory.

Memory devices are operated by receiving an N-bit row address into rowaddress decoder and an M-bit column address into column address decoder.The row address decoder generates a signal on one word line. Word linesmay include word line driver circuitry that drives a high current signalonto word lines. Because word lines tend to be long, thin conductorsthat stretch across much of the chip surface, it requires significantcurrent and large power switches to drive a word lines signal. As aresult, line driver circuits are often provided with power supply inaddition to power supply circuits (not shown) that provide operatingpower for the other logic. Word line drivers, therefore, tend to involvelarge components and the high speed switching of large currents tends tocreate noise, stress the limits of power supplies and power regulators,and stress isolation structures.

In a conventional memory array there are more columns (bit lines) thanrows (word lines) because during refresh operations, each word line isactivated to refresh all of storage elements coupled to that word line.Accordingly, the fewer the number of rows, the less time it takes torefresh all of the rows. One feature of the present invention is thatthe molecular memory elements can be configured to exhibit significantlylonger data retention than typical capacitors, in the order of tens,hundreds, thousands or effectively, unlimited seconds. Hence, therefresh cycle can be performed orders of magnitude less frequently oromitted altogether. Accordingly, refresh considerations that actuallyaffect the physical layout of a memory array can be relaxed and arraysof various geometry can be implemented. For example, memory array canreadily be manufactured with a larger number of word lines, which willmake each word line shorter. As a result, word line driver circuits canbe made smaller or eliminated because less current is required to driveeach word line at a high speed. Alternatively or in addition, shorterword lines can be driven faster to improve read/write access times. Asyet another alternative, each row of memory locations can be providedwith multiple word lines to provide a mechanism for storing multiplestates of information in each memory location.

Sense amplifiers are coupled to each bit line and operate to detectsignals on bit lines 109 that indicate the state of a memory elementcoupled to that bit line, and amplify that state to an appropriate logiclevel signal. In one embodiment, sense amplifiers may be implementedwith substantially conventional designs as such conventional designswill operate to detect and amplify signals from a molecular memoryelement. Alternatively, unlike conventional capacitors, some molecularstorage elements provide very distinct signals indicating their state.These distinct signals may reduce the need for conventional senseamplifier logic as the state signal from a molecular storage device canbe more readily and reliably latched into buffers of read/write logicthan can signals stored in conventional capacitors. That is, the presentinvention can provide devices which are sufficiently large as to obviatethe need for a sense amplifier.

Read/write logic includes circuitry for placing the memory device in aread or write state. In a read state, data from molecular array isplaced on bit lines (with or without the operation of sense amplifiers),and captured by buffers/latches in read/write logic. Column addressdecoder will select which bit lines are active in a particular readoperation. In a write operation, read/write logic drives data signalsonto the selected bit lines such that when a word line is activated,that data overwrites any data already stored in the addressed memoryelement(s).

A refresh operation is substantially similar to a read operation;however, the word lines are driven by refresh circuitry (not shown)rather than by externally applied addresses. In a refresh operation,sense amplifiers, if used, drive the bit lines to signal levelsindicating the current state of the memory elements and that value isautomatically written back to the memory elements. Unlike a readoperation, the state of bit lines is not coupled to read/write logicduring a refresh. This operation is only required if the chargeretention time of the molecules used is less than the operational lifeof the device used, for example, on the order of 10 years for Flashmemory.

In an exemplary embedded system that comprises a central processing unitand molecular memory, a memory bus couples a CPU and molecular memorydevice to exchange address, data, and control signals. Optionally,embedded system may also contain conventional memory coupled to memorybus. Conventional memory may include random access memory (e.g., DRAM,SRAM, SDRAM and the like), or read only memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROMand the like). These other types of memory may be useful for cachingdata molecular memory device, storing operating system or BIOS files,and the like. Embedded system may include one or more input/output (I/O)interfaces that enable CPU to communicate with external devices andsystems. I/O interface may be implemented by serial ports, parallelports, radio frequency ports, optical ports, infrared ports and thelike. Further, interface may be configured to communicate using anyavailable protocol including packet-based protocols.

Batteries

Phosphonium ionic liquids and compositions according to embodiments ofthe present invention are well suited as electrolytes in batteryapplications. In one embodiment, a battery is provided comprising: apositive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator between saidpositive and negative electrode; and an electrolyte. The electrolyte iscomprised of an ionic liquid composition, the ionic liquid compositioncomprising: one or more phosphonium based cations of the generalformula:

R¹R²R³R⁴P

wherein: R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions. In another embodiment, theelectrolyte is characterized as an ionic liquid composition having oneor more phosphine based cations, and one or more anions, wherein theionic liquid composition exhibits thermodynamic stability up to atemperature of approximately 375° C. or greater, and ionic conductivityup to 10 mS/cm. In some embodiments, the ionic liquid composition isdoped, such as for example with lithium. In another embodiment, theionic liquid composition is used as a fuel cell membrane.

Electrolytic Films

Phosphonium ionic liquids and compositions according to embodiments ofthe present invention are well suited as electrolytic films. In oneembodiment, an electrolytic film is provided comprising: a phosphoniumionic liquid composition applied to a substrate. In one example, theelectrolytic film is formed by providing the phosphonium ionic liquid ofthe present invention together with a solvent. The ionic liquid andsolvent are applied to a substrate by any suitable means, such as byspin coating, and the like. Then substrate is then heated to remove thesolvent, leaving the electrolytic or ionically-conducting film. In otherembodiments, solutions of ionic liquids and polymers, in suitablesolvents, are coated onto substrates, such as by spin coating, and thenthe solvent is evaporated. This results in the formation of conductiveionic liquid-polymer gels/film. Such films are particularly suitable asbattery electrolytes and fuel cell membranes.

Heat Transfer Medium

The desirable properties of high thermodynamic stability, low volatilityand wide liquidus of the phosphonium ionic liquids of the presentinvention are well suited as heat transfer medium. In this embodiment,high conductivity is not as important, except in the instance of fuelcells and DSSC applications. Some embodiments of the present inventionprovide a heat transfer medium, comprising an ionic liquid compositioncomprising: one or more phosphine based cations, and one or more anions,wherein the ionic liquid composition exhibits thermodynamic stability upto a temperature of approximately 375° C. In some embodiments, the heattransfer medium of the invention is a high temperature reaction media.In another embodiment, the heat transfer medium of the invention is anextraction media.

Other Applications

The phosphonium ionic liquids of the present invention find use inadditional applications. In one exemplary embodiment, an embeddedcapacitor is proved. In one embodiment the embedded capacitor iscomprised of a dielectric disposed between two electrodes, where thedielectric is comprised of an electrolytic film of a phosphonium ioniccomposition as described above. The embedded capacitor of the presentinvention may be embedded in an integrated circuit package. Furtherembodiments include “on-board” capacitor arrangements.

EXAMPLES

Embodiments of the present invention are now described in further detailwith reference to specific Examples. The Examples provided below areintended for illustration purposes only and in no way limit the scopeand/or teaching of the invention.

In general, Phosphonuim ionic liquids were prepared by either metathesisreactions of the appropriately substituted phosphonium solid salt withthe appropriately substituted metal salt, or by reaction ofappropriately substituted phosphine precursors with an appropriatelysubstituted anion precursor. FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate reaction schemes tomake four exemplary embodiments of phosphonium ionic liquids of thepresent invention.

Example 1

Phosphonium ionic liquids were prepared. AgSO₃CF₃ was charged into a 50ml round bottom (Rb) flask and assembled to a 3 cm swivel frit. Thefirst was evacuated and brought into a glove box. In the glove box,di-n-proply ethyl methyl phosphonium iodide was added and the firstre-assembled, brought to the vacuum line, evacuated, and anhydrous THFwas vacuum transferred in. The flask was allowed to warm to roomtemperature and was then heated to 40° C. for 2 hours. This resulted inthe formation of a light green bead-like solid. This solid was removedby filtration. This yielded a pearly, opalescent solution. Volatilematerials were removed under high vacuum with heating using a 30° C. hotwater bath. This resulted in a white crystalline material with a yieldof 0.470 g. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed on thematerial and the results are shown in FIG. 5.

Example 2

Further phosphonium ionic liquids were prepared. Di-n-propyl ethylmethyl phosphonium iodide was added to a 100 ml Rb flask in a glove box,then removed and dissolved in 50 ml of DI H₂O. To this solution,AgO₂CCF₃ was added, immediately yielding a yellow, bead-likeprecipitate. After stirring for 2 hours, AgI was removed by filtrationand the cake was washed 3 times with 5 ml each of DI H₂O. The bulk waterwas removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded a clear, lowviscosity liquid which was then dried under high vacuum with heating andstirring. This resulted in solidification of the material. Gentlewarming of the white solid in a warm water bath resulted in a liquidwhich appeared to melt just above room temperature. This experimentyielded 0.410 g of material. The reaction scheme is depicted in FIG. 6A.Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) testswere performed on the material and the results are shown in FIG. 6B andFIG. 6C, respectively.

Example 3

In this example, di-n-propyl ethyl methyl phosphonium iodide was addedto a 100 ml Rb flask in a glove box, and then brought out of the fumehood and dissolved in 70 ml MeOH. Next, AgO₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃ was added,immediately giving a yellow colored slurry. After stirring for 3 hoursthe solids were moved by filtration, the bulk MeOH removed by rotaryevaporation and the remaining residue dried under high vacuum. This gavea yellow, gel-like slushy material. “Liquid” type crystals were observedforming on the sides of the Rb flask, when then “melted” away uponscraping of the flask. This experiment yielded 0.618 g of material.Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was performed on the material and theresults are shown in FIG. 7A. Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) was alsoperformed and the results are shown in FIG. 7B.

Example 4

A pressure flask was brought into the glovebox and charged with 0.100 gof P(CH₂OH)₃ followed by 5 mL of THF-d8. Once the solid was dissolvedthe Me₂SO₄ was added. The flask was then sealed and brought out of theglovebox. It was heated in a 110° C. oil bath for 10 minutes and thencooled, brought back into the glovebox, and a 1 mL aliquot removed for¹H NMR. The reaction scheme is illustrated in FIG. 8A. The ¹H NMRspectrum is shown in FIG. 8B.

Example 5

In this experiment, 1-ethyl-1-methyl phospholanium nitrate was added toa 100 ml 14/20 Rb flask in a glove box. To this KC(CN)₃ was added andthen the Rb was assembled to a 3 cm swivel frit. The frit was broughtout to the line and CHCl3 was vacuum transferred in. The flask wasallowed to stir for 12 hours. A gooey brown material was observed on thebottom of the flask. The solution was filtered giving a pearly,opalescent filtrate from which brown oil separated out. The brownmaterial was washed 2 times with recycled CHCl3 causing it to becomewhiter and more granular. All volatile components were removed underhigh vacuum, giving a low viscosity brown oil. This experiment yielded1.52 g of material. The reaction scheme is shown in FIG. 9A.Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed on the material and theresults are shown in FIG. 9B.

Example 6

In this experiment 1-ethyl-1-methyl phosphorinanium iodide was added toa 100 ml Rb flask in a glove box and then brought out to a fume hoodwhere it was dissolved in 70 ml MeOH. Next, AgO₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃ was added,immediately giving a yellow precipitate. The flask was stirred for 18hours and then the solids removed by filtration. Bulk MeOH was removedby rotary evaporation and the residual dried under high vacuum. Thisprocedure gave an off-white, yellow-tinted solid. This experimentyielded 0.620 g of material. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) wasperformed on the material and the results are shown in FIG. 10.

Example 7

In another experiment, 1-butyl-1-ethyl phospholanium iodide was added toa Rb flask in a fume hood, and then dissolved in water and stirred.AgO₃SCF₃ was added and a yellow precipitate formed immediately. Theflask was stirred for 2 hours and then vacuum filtered. The solutionfoamed during filtration, and a milky substance was observed afterfiltration. The material was rotary evaporated and the residue driedunder vacuum on an oil bath which melted the solid. This experimentyielded 0.490 g of material. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) wasperformed on the material and the results are shown in FIG. 11.

Example 8

In a further experiment, 1-butyl-1-ethyl phosphorinanium iodide wasadded to a flask in a fume hood. MeOH was added and then the flask wasstirred for 15 minutes. Silver p-toluene sulfonate was added. The flaskwas stirred for 4 hours. A yellow precipitate formed. The material wasgravity filtered and then rotary evaporated. The material was driedunder vacuum, resulting in a liquid This experiment yielded 0.253 g ofmaterial. The reaction scheme is shown in FIG. 12A. ThermogravimetricAnalysis (TGA) was performed on the material and the results are shownin FIG. 12B.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments disclosed in the examples which are intended asillustrations of a few aspects of the invention and any embodimentswhich are functionally equivalent are within the scope of thisinvention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition tothose shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilledin the art and are intended to fall within the appended claims.

A number of references have been cited, the entire disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

1. A device, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; and anelectrolyte comprising an ionic liquid composition, the ionic liquidcomposition comprising: one or more phosphonium based cations of thegeneral formula:R¹R²R³R⁴P where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions; wherein said electrolyte iselectrically coupled to at least one of said first and secondelectrodes.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are eachindependently a different alkyl group comprised of 2 to 14 carbon atoms.3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is analiphatic, heterocyclic moiety.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein R¹,R², R³ and R⁴ is an aromatic moiety.
 5. The device of claim 1, whereinR¹ and either R², R³ and R⁴ are aromatic moieties.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is an aromatic,heterocyclic moiety.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are thesame and are comprised of: tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylenephosphorinane, tetramethinyl phosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane. 8.The device of claim 1 wherein R² and R³ are the same and are comprisedof: phospholane, phosphorinane or phosphole.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same and are comprisedof: tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylene phosphorinane,tetramethinyl phosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.
 10. The device ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same and arecomprised of: phospholane, phosphorinane or phosphole.
 11. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation is comprised of the formula:


12. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the


13. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


14. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


15. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


16. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


17. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


18. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


19. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


20. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


21. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


22. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


23. The device of claim 1 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


24. The device of claim 11, wherein the one or more anions are comprisedof any one of more of the following anion mixtures: 1NO₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₃, 3NO₃⁻/1O₃SCF₃, 1NO₃ ⁻/3O₃SCF₃, 1NO₃ ⁻/1N(SO₂CF₃)₂ ⁻, 1NO₃ ⁻/1PF₆ ⁻, 1O₃SCF₃⁻/1N(SO₂CF₃)₂ ⁻, 1O₃SCF₃ ⁻/1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻, 3O₃SCF₃ ⁻/1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻,1O₃SCF₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, 1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻/3O₃SCH₃ ⁻, 1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃⁻/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, 3O₃SC₆H₄CH₃/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, or 1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃⁻/3O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻.
 25. The device of claim 11 wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻,⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻O₂CCF₃, ⁻O₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SC₆H₄CH₃, CF₃BF₃⁻C(CN)₃ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, NO₃ ⁻, ⁻O₃SCH₃, ⁻O₃SC₆H₄CHCH₂, BF₄ ⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃,⁻SC(O)CH₃, SO₄ ²⁻, ⁻O₂CCF₂CF₃, ⁻O₂CH, ⁻O₂CC₆H₅, ⁻OCN, or CO₃ ²⁻.
 26. Thedevice of claim 12, wherein the one or more anions are comprised of anyone of more of the following: I⁻, C(CN)₃ ⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻,CF₃BF₃ ⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, SO4 2-, or —N(CN)2.
 27. The device of claim 13,wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one of more of thefollowing: I⁻, C(CN)₃ ⁻, ⁻O₂CCF₃, N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻, or⁻O₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 28. The device of claim 14, wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one of more of the following: I⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃,⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SC₆H₄CH₃, or O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 29. The device of claim 15,wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one of more of thefollowing: I⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, or O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 30. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one ofmore of the following: I⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻, C(CN)₃, or PF₆⁻.
 31. The device of claim 17, wherein the one or more anions arecomprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻, NO₃—, or —N(SO₂)₂CF₃.32. The device of claim 18, wherein the one or more anions are comprisedof any one or more of the following: I⁻ or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 33. The deviceof claim 19, wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one ormore of the following: I⁻ or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 34. The device of claim 20wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one or more of thefollowing: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 35. The device of claim 21 whereinthe one or more anions are comprised of any one or more of thefollowing: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 36. The device of claim 22 whereinthe one or more anions are comprised of any one or more of thefollowing: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 37. The device of claim 23 whereinthe one or more anions are comprised of any one or more of thefollowing: Br⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SCF₃, or PF₆ ⁻.
 38. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the ionic liquid composition exhibits thermodynamicstability up to a temperature of approximately 375° C., ionicconductivity up to 10 mS/cm at room temperature, and a liquidus rangegreater than 400° C.
 39. The device of claim 1, wherein said firstelectrode comprises redox active molecules (ReAMs).
 40. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more phosphonium based cations are selectedfrom any one or more of: tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylenephosphorinane, tetramethinyl phosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.41. A molecular storage device, comprising: a working electrode and acounter electrode configured to afford electrical capacitance; and anion conducting composition comprising: one or more phosphonium basedcations of the general formula:R¹R²R³R⁴P where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions; wherein said ion conductingcomposition is electrically coupled to at least the working and counterelectrodes.
 42. The molecular storage device of claim 41, wherein theone or more phosphonium based cations are selected from any one or moreof: tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylene phosphorinane,tetramethinyl phosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.
 43. The molecularstorage device of claim 41 wherein the ion conducting compositionexhibits thermodynamic stability up to a temperature of approximately375° C., ionic conductivity up to 10 mS/cm at room temperature, and aliquidus range greater than 400° C.
 44. A memory element, comprising: aswitching device, a bit line and a word line coupled to the switchingdevice; and a molecular storage device coupled to the switching device,the molecular storage device comprised of: a working electrode and acounter electrode configured to afford electrical capacitance; and anion conducting composition comprising: one or more phosphonium basedcations of the general formula:R¹R²R³R⁴P where R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions; and wherein said ionconducting composition is electrically coupled to at least the workingand counter electrodes.
 45. The memory element of claim 44, wherein theone or more phosphonium based cations are selected from any one or moreof: tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylene phosphorinane,tetramethinyl phosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.
 46. The memoryelement of claim 44 wherein the ion conducting composition exhibitsthermodynamic stability up to a temperature of approximately 375° C.,ionic conductivity up to 10 mS/cm at room temperature, and a liquidusrange greater than 400° C.
 47. The memory element of claim 44, whereinR¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are each independently a different alkyl groupcomprised of 2 to 14 carbon atoms.
 48. The memory element of claim 44,wherein at least one of R¹, R², and R³ is an aliphatic, heterocyclicmoiety.
 49. The memory element of claim 44, wherein R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ isan aromatic moiety.
 50. The memory element of claim 44, wherein R¹ andeither R², R³ and R⁴ are aromatic moieties.
 51. The memory element ofclaim 44, wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ is an aromatic,heterocyclic moiety.
 52. The memory element of claim 44, wherein atleast one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same and are comprised of:tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylene phosphorinane, tetramethinylphosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.
 53. The memory element of claim44 wherein at least one of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are the same and arecomprised of: phospholane, phosphorinane or phosphole.
 54. The memoryelement of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation is comprised ofthe formula:


55. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


56. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


57. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


58. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


59. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


60. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


61. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


62. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


63. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


64. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


65. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


66. The memory element of claim 44 wherein the phosphine based cation iscomprised of the formula:


67. The memory element of claim 54, wherein the one or more anions arecomprised of any one of more of the following anion mixtures: 1NO₃⁻/1O₃SCF₃, 3NO₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₃, 1NO₃ ⁻/3O₃SCF₃, 1NO₃ ⁻/1N(SO₂CF₃)₂ ⁻, 1NO₃⁻/1 PF₆ ⁻, 1O₃SCF₃₇₁N(SO₂CF₃)₂ ⁻, 1O₃SCF₃ ⁻/1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻, 3O₃SCF₃⁻/1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻, 1O₃SCF₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, 1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻/3O₃SCH₃ ⁻,1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, 3O₃SC₆H₄CH₃ ⁻/1O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻, or1O₃SC₆H₄CH₃/3O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃ ⁻.
 68. The memory element of claim 54 whereinthe one or more anions are comprised of any one or more of thefollowing: I—, —N(SO₂)₂CF₃, —O₃SCF₃, —O₂CCF₃, —O₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃, O₃SC₆H₄CH₃,CF₃BF₃—, C(CN)₃—, PF₆—, NO₃—, —O₃SCH₃, —O₃SC₆H₄CHCH₂, BF₄—,—O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, —SC(O)CH₃, SO₄ ²⁻, —O₂CCF₂CF₃, —O₂CH, —O₂CC₆H₅, —OCN, orCO₃ ²⁻.
 69. The memory element of claim 55, wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one of more of the following: I⁻, C(CN)₃ ⁻,⁻O₃SCF₃, N(SO₂)₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻, CF₃BF₃, ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, SO4 2-, or —N(CN)2.70. The memory element of claim 56, wherein the one or more anions arecomprised of any one of more of the following: I⁻, C(CN)₃ ⁻, ⁻O₂CCF₃,⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻, or ⁻O₂CCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 71. The memoryelement of claim 57, wherein the one or more anions are comprised of anyone of more of the following: I⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, ⁻O₃SC₆H₄CH₃, or⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 72. The memory element of claim 58, wherein the one ormore anions are comprised of any one of more of the following: I⁻,⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, or ⁻O₃SCF₂CF₂CF₃.
 73. The memory element of claim59, wherein the one or more anions are comprised of any one of more ofthe following: I⁻, ⁻O₃SCF₃, ⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃, NO₃ ⁻, C(CN)₃, or PF₆ ⁻. 74.The memory element of claim 60, wherein the one or more anions arecomprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or—N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 75. The memory element of claim 61, wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻ or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 76. The memory element of claim 62, wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻ or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 77. The memory element of claim 63 wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 78. The memory element of claim 64 wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 79. The memory element of claim 65 wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: I⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃.
 80. The memory element of claim 66 wherein the one or moreanions are comprised of any one or more of the following: Br⁻, NO₃ ⁻, or⁻N(SO₂)₂CF₃., ⁻O₃SCF₃, or PF₆ ⁻.
 81. A memory array, comprising: anarray of memory elements, wherein at least some of the memory elementscomprise: a switching device, a bit line and a word line coupled to theswitching device; and a molecular storage device coupled to theswitching device, the molecular storage device comprised of: a workingelectrode and a counter electrode configured to afford electricalcapacitance; and an ion conducting composition comprising: one or morephosphonium based cations of the general formula:R¹R²R³R⁴P where R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are optional and each independently asubstituent group; and one or more anions; wherein said ion conductingcomposition is electrically coupled to at least the working and counterelectrodes.
 82. The memory array of claim 49, wherein the one or morephosphonium based cations are selected from any one or more of:tetramethylene phospholane, pentamethylene phosphorinane, tetramethinylphosphole, phospholane or phosphorinane.
 83. The memory array of claim49 wherein the array forms a DRAM or SRAM cell, or non-volatile memorysuch as Flash or ferroelectric memory.
 84. The memory array of claim 49wherein the ion conducting composition exhibits thermodynamic stabilityup to a temperature of approximately 375° C., ionic conductivity up to10 mS/cm at room temperature, and a liquidus range greater than 400° C.